Becoming Jorach's Disciple

After teasing the little girl, Liam turned to Duke Jorach on the main seat and bowed respectfully. "We managed to find this place because we know the Assassin League only accepts extraordinary individuals. As it happens, both of us qualify."

Liam's smug expression made the little girl giggle again, and it thoroughly piqued the curiosity of everyone present, including Wilton. They all turned their gazes toward Liam, waiting for what he would say next.

Liam looked at Wilton beside him, feeling speechless. Is this guy trying to sabotage me with that look? If people didn't know better, they'd think I'm such a poor braggart that even my own man can't stand to watch...

Annoyed, Liam pointed directly at Wilton. "Go on, show them." His imperious tone treated the heir of the Barov Family like a mere lackey.

Wilton didn't mind Liam's attitude, though he hadn't expected Liam to have zero sense of discretion regarding his abilities. He treated it as casually as a circus ringmaster, seemingly desperate for the whole world to know.

It wasn't strange for him to think this way, however. He didn't know the Assassin League as deeply as Liam did, nor did he understand Liam's true capabilities. Naturally, he assumed that because Liam was "intent on recruiting him," the tip of the iceberg he possessed was a trump card Liam needed to keep hidden.

Still, their previous conversation had proven that this smirking guy wasn't a fool. Since Liam had given the order, Wilton was happy to comply; after all, the ability was a gift from Liam, and he couldn't just hoard it like a miser.

He also realized that Liam intended to help him apprentice under a powerful master. If he could actually pull it off, the skills he learned would become his own true strength, which aligned perfectly with Wilton's own desires.

Though it takes time to explain, only a split second passed in Wilton's mind before he stepped forward.

As he took that step, the light and shadow around his body blurred and shifted. When he solidified once more, he had completely transformed, causing everyone in the room to shift their gaze toward Duke Jorach on the main seat.

The form Wilton had taken was none other than Duke Jorach himself, with every detail of his clothing and appearance perfectly replicated!

While the young man and the little girl nearby were still in shock, Duke Jorach flashed across the room and appeared behind his "other self," reaching out to place a hand on Wilton's shoulder.

"No magical fluctuations, no potions, and no Gnomish technological devices. This is true physical power. This transformation ability... it is simply perfect!"

As he said this, Duke Jorach shook his head with a hint of regret.

"It is a pity. Your strength is too poor, and you lack any technique; the transformation is merely a hollow shell. If your target were a mage, the lack of magical fluctuations on your body would expose you instantly. Such a trick can only deceive the careless."

Although he claimed it was useless, the gleam in Duke Jorach's eyes clearly showed his appreciation for Wilton's ability, which only made him more curious about Liam's own powers.

If a mere follower possessed such a miraculous ability, then Liam, the leader, must be even more extraordinary.

Duke Jorach turned his gaze toward Liam, the meaning in his eyes clear: His little trick isn't enough to qualify. What else can you bring to the table?

Liam naturally saw that the old man was playing hard to get, but his next sentence caused everyone in the room to nearly collapse, secretly marveling at the thickness of his skin.

"Me? I plan to use a back door. I know Lady Garona."

Liam continued to speak in his smug, off-the-cuff manner, while inwardly muttering, Even if that epic-level rogue doesn't actually know me...

Talking about back doors was just a joke, of course. Liam knew he couldn't join an organization like the Assassin League based solely on a personal connection.

What he truly needed to demonstrate was his "intelligence gathering" capabilities, which surpassed everyone else's and could rival the entire Assassin League during major events, as well as his "foresight" that far exceeded theirs.

This was his greatest reliance, one that even surpassed the help provided by his Hearthstone Deck, which was currently limited by his own ability bottlenecks.

He would inevitably reveal more of his "abilities" in this area as time went on, so leaking a bit to this mysterious old monster now wasn't a bad thing; it would make it easier to gain trust in the future.

"You say... you know Garona? Even the Assassin League hasn't been able to track her movements. Where did you meet her?"

Duke Jorach's tone was tinged with urgency; clearly, he cared deeply about Garona's whereabouts.

However, Liam keenly sensed something unusual from the young man nearby. When the name "Garona" was mentioned, the young man's brows furrowed slightly, and a flash of killing intent flickered across him. It was obvious that he, too, had a "history" with her.

Liam could feel it, and Duke Jorach was no exception. The Duke turned directly to the young man. "You should know the truth of what happened in the past. None of this was Lady Garona's fault."

"Don't worry. That blade was merely a pathetic tool. I will naturally find the hand that held it, and then I will cut it off myself!" The young man's tone was filled with hatred, a stark contrast to the calm, composed demeanor he had maintained since Liam and Wilton entered.

Duke Jorach shook his head with a wry smile. It was clear that despite the young man's words, he still harbored resentment toward Garona. He was only setting her aside for the sake of the Duke's face, but he would certainly never offer her any help.

"That is enough, then. Since Lady Garona chose to live in seclusion, she must have her reasons. It is best not to disturb her." Duke Jorach resolved the matter and signaled that he had no further issues, allowing Liam to continue.

"She is currently living in seclusion in Duskwood, hiding in the shadows to protect her son."

Duke Jorach was stunned by Liam's words and turned his head back toward the young man.

"In the intelligence we received, only Meryl Winterstorm is listed as an A-rank target living in Duskwood. However, he is accompanied by a half-breed child. Based on the gathered intelligence, that must be Garona's son."

As soon as the young man spoke, Liam confirmed his suspicions. The man was indeed the leader of the Stormwind Assassins—or rather, the head of SI:7 and the Alliance's greatest spymaster—Matthias Shaw!